Call for Professional Registration Among Kenyan Project Managers
Kenyan project managers have been encouraged to pursue registration with recognized professional bodies. A report by the Project Management Institute (PMI) reveals that a mere two percent of project managers in Sub-Saharan Africa are officially registered.
George Asamani, Managing Director of PMI, emphasized that the project management profession is crucial for translating strategic goals into substantial outcomes within the region. He highlighted an urgent need for 79,000 to 102,000 additional project management professionals in Kenya by 2035 to accommodate the increasing demands of the economy.
“Effective project management is crucial for nations, organizations, and communities to turn their ambitions into tangible results,” Asamani stated. He cautioned that inadequate planning, insufficient oversight, and governance shortcomings could lead to expensive project failures and potential loss of life.
Dr. Rose Mkalama, Chief Executive of the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC), reiterated the importance of ensuring that projects deliver significant benefits to their intended recipients.
A number of institutions, including the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), REREC, and Faulu Kenya, received awards at the ceremony for executing projects that have positively impacted Kenyan society.
According to PMI’s 2025 Global Project Management Talent Gap report, the number of project management professionals in Kenya needs to increase from approximately 150,000 to between 223,000 and 247,000 over the next decade. This expansion underscores the necessity for continued investment in skill development across the industry.
On a broader scale, PMI projects that Sub-Saharan Africa will require between 4.1 million and 4.6 million project professionals by 2035, highlighting an urgent need for sustained investment in professional development across the region.
The anticipated growth in the sector is fueled by expanding opportunities in infrastructure, construction, technology, and manufacturing. However, Asamani cautioned that the region is experiencing a significant shortfall in certified professionals despite the rising demand. Currently, of the 2.5 million individuals employed in project management across Sub-Saharan Africa, only about 25,000 hold certification, reinforcing the call for increased investment in professional training and globally recognized qualifications.
Maureen Ochang, President of PMI Kenya Chapter, noted that the increasing demand presents a valuable opportunity for young professionals to strategically position themselves for emerging job prospects.
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